Hertfordshire Constabulary conduct plain-clothed ‘Ask For Angela’ test visits

Officers have conducted several plain-clothed test visits across Hertfordshire to educate local licensed premises about ‘Ask For Angela’.

Ask For Angela is a national campaign that is used by bars and other venues to keep people safe, by using the codename ‘Angela’ to signify that they feel vulnerable or unsafe. People can discreetly seek help by approaching venue staff and asking them for Angela – this will indicate to staff that they require help with their situation, and a trained member of staff will be able to assist them. This could be through reuniting them with a friend, seeing them to a taxi, calling venue security or contacting the police.

Hertfordshire Constabulary’s Community Safety Unit officers work closely with bars, pubs and clubs across the county to provide training on safety initiatives, such as Ask For Angela, Ask For Clive, Licensing SAVI and Hollie Guard.

Most recently, officers organised a training event at the Forum Suite in Stevenage aimed at local hotel staff, where the Detective Sergeant Dan Piper from the Halo team spoke about the warning signs of child sexual exploitation (CSE). There was also an input on the Ask For Angela initiative, where Crime Prevention Officers spoke about how the safety scheme could be used in hotels.

Last week, plain-clothed officers in Watford and Three Rivers entered various bars, pubs and restaurants to conduct a dip sampling operation, where a female officer asked members of staff for Angela to see if they were aware of the initiative and what they should do.

Of the 14 venues tested in Watford, 10 were aware of the initiative. Four venues were given further advice and guidance. Nine venues were visited in the Three Rivers area, six of which correctly followed the Ask For Angela protocol.

Sergeant Karl Diggins, from the Community Safety Unit, said: “Ask For Angela is a really important initiative, and one we have supported for a number of years now – our licensing officers across the county work really closely with local licensed premises to provide ongoing training, guidance and support.

“Everyone should be able to enjoy a safe night out, and it’s reassuring to know that the majority of night-time economy businesses in Watford and Three Rivers are aware of the scheme and know what they should do to assist someone who feels as though they could potentially be in danger.

“All venues were given a full debrief after the test, where we explained that we were police officers and why we were conducting the operation. We also made sure to speak to seasonal staff to explain what Ask For Angela is, and why it’s important.”

Hertfordshire Constabulary is currently running their annual seasonal safety campaign, Operation Advisory, which is all about keeping people safe while out and about as more people head to Christmas parties and enjoy a festive night out on the town. We want to empower people to challenge unacceptable behaviour and will be sharing safety advice, as well reminding people about consent and highlighting resources such as Hollie Guard, the free personal safety app.

‘Ask For Angela’ is not mandatory or part of licensing conditions, all businesses have opted to support the scheme voluntarily. Almost 200 bars, pubs, restaurants and clubs have signed up to Ask For Angela in Hertfordshire. For a full list of venues, and for more information about the initiative, visit our website.